Browne took his students on a field trip in November to the Fabulous Food Show at the IX Center in Cleveland, before they had to buckle down to prepare for the three-day gingerbread house buffet today, Thursday and Friday.

"That's our Christmas blow-out," Browne said. "We have

10 stations, some out in the hall because we don't have enough room. Every table has a different Christmas theme."

In addition to the huge buffet, there will be ice carvings on display, as well as 18 gingerbread houses constructed by senior students.

Editor's note: Restaurants run by culinary students are tucked inside five Stark County high schools. Although several of these restaurants have been open to the public for 30 years or more, they still are a best-kept secret from many area residents. In this five-part series, food writer Saimi Bergmann throws open the doors to give you a glimpse inside these affordable eateries.